Is China planning to invade Taiwan? - BBC Newsnight

The Chinese Communist Party congress was watched in Taiwan even more closely, and with even more concern than ever this year.
 
Xi Jinping clinched a historic third five-year term as China's leader, and there are dire warnings about what that means for the country. The head of the US Navy has cautioned that the world needs to be prepared for the Chinese invasion of Taiwan by the end of the year.
 
Newsnight’s diplomatic editor Mark Urban reports on the mood in the Taiwanese capital Taipei.

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[NFJT]

English person living in Taiwan here. Can confirm that Xi’s new term really makes things kind of worrying

[DavidGetling]

One thing is certain. If Taiwan shows the slightest sign that it won't fight very hard to defend itself then Emperor Xi will most certainly invade.

[eifpyji]

3:33 let's make it clear that there's no separatism, nor re-unification. It is an invasion if china uses force. Taiwan has never been a part of PRC in a single day in the history. It's china's dream like Putin to Ukraine. Ukraine was a member of USSR, yet Taiwan has never been a part of PRC in a single day in the history..

if ppl appreciate and support the front line physicians, nurses and workers for COVID-19, ones should have the same toward to Taiwan bcz Taiwan is the front line to stop Totalitarianism expansion.

[riccia]

What do you mean? Taiwan is an independent country. They have the most peaceful people and delicious food.

[maaj]

To our Taiwanese Brothers and Sisters, we will not vow to that pathetic prow! More power and love from the Philippines.

[jimflagg]

Taiwan reminds me of the old USA back in the 1700s where a country said they belonged to them but in practice they are so independent and able to stand on their own. I know Taiwan can not declare independence without causing a war between them and China, but I do see a day were they might. I love Taiwan in that they are able to rise up and stand on their own and to be their own culture. Taiwan should be proud of what they have done and the whole World is watching them.

[michaeldavid]

Brave people, these inhabitants of Taiwan. They deserve their freedom from tyranny. But Xi will not let go. Domination is on his mind, and not just over Hong Kong and Taiwan. Even the South China Sea is not big enough to contain his ambitions.

[YouTubeGlobalAdminstrator]

Support Taiwan like Ukraine. Never forget Tiananmen Square.

[santokun]

Stay strong Taiwan. Your democratic values inspire the world!

Also, focus on your national security. No small nations can survive living side by side a dictatorial superpower without becoming a military powerhouse like Israel. Unfortunately, that is the world we live in, just look what happened to Ukraine.

[ShuCarolina]

China will not stop at Taiwan. If China were able to take Taiwan, it will gain tremendous advantage from occupying the geographical location of the island. Invading or taking down the next country will be faster and easier with that geographical advantage.

[gdewyg]

Taiwan should stand strong and not shaken by China's threats. Long live independence of Taiwan

[jeremiahlalmuansangapachua]

Tibet..
Hong Kong..
Taiwan..
Ladakh..
Arunachal Pradesh...
.. The list goes on... Even if Jinping is able to take Taiwan, he won't stop there...

[CCRob]

From the Chinese conference. It’s a when, not if. Hope Taiwan is prepared for a ugly war.

[melvinjansen]

Dumb title and video. They have been planning this for more than 20 years

[SoapinTrucker]

It's not "if they invade", but WHEN! :(

[novaboy]

This has been the fear of every Taiwanese since birth. I'm no exception to this and it has been 28 years since I've lived with this thought. Yet, I do think that now is much more dangerous than ever before. The CCP is unhinged right now and will most likely follow Putin's steps whether they are actually successful or not. Fate will be cruel and the CCP will take what it can with it before the very end.

[macpeepeepoopoo]

Feels really similar to all the “Will Russia Invade Ukraine?” Articles we all saw last December and we all know how that went

[mythicalrp]

This is what I'm fearing. If China saw a weak Western response in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, they won't hesitate to build up the forces that it needs for a Taiwan invasion too. Therefore, even if it is bad for our ego to support the West in helping Ukraine, there's nothing we could do but support them because we do not really have an option.

[carlosviajes]

Why would Taiwan declare indepence from the PRC? That would be like Japan declaring independence from Estonia. The PRC has never been in control of the Island of Formosa or the government of the Republic of China.

[jackyg]

Taiwan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And Taiwanese people are really friendly to others. Hope Taiwan be safe and strong! Just learn a lesson from Hong Kong